Poker: Texas Hold'em

Lesson 3: Bluffing

Semi-Bluffing

Semi-Bluffing is similar to regular bluffing except that the player has some chance of winning the hand. In other words, you may have a hand but not a strong hand such as a low numbered pair. You might also have a hand that is nothing at the outset but has a reasonable chance of drawing into a better hand.

Semi-Bluffing is best used in normal bluffing situations. Players who recognize the bluff won’t necessarily recognize when you make your draw.

Guidelines:

• Use semi-bluffing in late position after everyone else has folded, called, or checked

• Use semi-bluffing on the flop or the turn

• Use semi-bluffing if you have a chance of drawing a straight or flush

When you are semi-bluffing in late position and no one has raised the bet, chances are good that no one has a hand. If someone bets, they probably do have a hand, or they are bluffing.

On the flop or turn, you should have a feel if another player has an actual hand or if they are still trying to draw a hand. If they are still trying to draw a hand, you should try to force them out with a semi-bluff. Don’t check or they will continue to see free cards, which increases their chances of winning.

If you have a chance of drawing a straight or flush, you will probably have to bet, bluff or semi-bluff through the turn and/or river in order to see enough cards to make your hand.

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